With reference to two post-independence African countries, examine the reasons for economic growth and development to 2005.

Examine the reasons for, and the impact of, economic cooperation in the Americas between 1980 and 2005.

Candidates will consider the reasons for economic growth and development in two African countries. They may look at the economic problems experienced in the post-independence period in two African countries, but the focus of the response must be on the reasons for economic growth and development. Candidates may offer equal coverage of the two chosen countries, or there may be some imbalance between the two. However, the two countries will be a feature of the response. Candidates may focus on countries such as South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and Zimbabwe, but there is a wide range of possible examples that could be used. Reasons identified may include increased demand for raw materials, an increase in strategic investment in civil infrastructure, improved communication and the end of civil wars and wars between states.

Candidates will consider the concept of economic cooperation among the countries of the Americas during the given period and assess both the reasons for the cooperation as well as its impact. Candidates may choose to single out a range of countries or may approach the question topically by discussion of specific initiatives. Issues advancing cooperation may include the end of the Cold War and the emergence of new trading blocks that encouraged economic cooperation, implementation of preferential trade agreements and the elimination of trade barriers, the success of bilateral trade concessions (which were generally more successful than transnational agreements), integration in the labour markets and the development of regional parliaments and the integration of labour markets. Candidates may argue that limited advancement took place due to few successes in negotiating labour legislation or sustainability initiatives. Also, there was little achievement in advancing the free movement of capital.